Maier Nil Pants

£80 408g

comfort, ankle vents nothing Material: mSTRETCH Pro 4 – 90% polyamide, 10% elastane Fabric treatment: PFC-free DWR Sizes: 44-72, 3 leg lengths Women’s version: yes maier-sports.com

These are my go-to trousers for warmer weather. They are soft, stretchy and comfortable, dry rapidly and yet look smart enough to venture into the dining room of a Highland hotel at the end of a long day (if only I could say the same of the person wearing them). The DWR is PFC-free, although with trousers this breathable I’d suggest that DWR is a moot point. Despite their apparent flimsiness, my first pair are now four years old and still going strong despite much abuse.

In addition, there’s a host of tiny, well-considered details that conspire to make the Nil a favourite. The brand produces a vast array of sizes, making finding just the right fit possible without compromise. The three standard pockets are zipped and capacious, and there’s a leg map pocket and a small internal security pocket. The waist closure is a traditional and very secure two-button affair, along with belt hoops and a lowprofile belt that is included. Finally, there are ankle adjusters, as well as two buttons at the lower calf, allowing the hem to be rolled up. This transforms them into ¾-length trousers, making them very versatile during hot spells.

The Nil missed the Best Buy by a tiny margin in my review. If you don’t need the reinforcement provided by others here, they are nigh on perfect for warmer-weather walking, wet or dry. Great value, too.